How do we connect to each other during a pandemic?

Human connection is powerful.

It gives meaning and purpose to our lives. It creates a sense of belonging and worthiness within ourselves; a feeling that we are “good enough.”

In Brené Brown’s TED Talk, The Power of Vulnerability, she examines the human connection: our ability to empathize, belong, and love. Brown uncovers how we need to be vulnerable to develop strong relationships. However, her research discovered how we can be “numb” to vulnerability: we try to discharge pain and discomfort, we try to perfect our imperfections, we try to make things certain. When we experience pain, when we cannot fix our flaws, or when we do not have certainty, we often feel shame and fear. What we need to do is be vulnerable, or make us “be seen.” We need to express gratitude, and most importantly, know that we are good enough.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, many people feared vulnerability. However, through these times, we, the people, are gradually learning to embrace it. We are developing the couragento be imperfect, compassion to oneself before others, and connection  as a result of being authentic.

How have these vulnerable times improved your daily routine or overall outlook on life?

https://embed.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability